Heading into 2023, larger families in the market for an electric SUV are left with few options. Unless you’re prepared to spend over $90,000 for a Tesla Model X or Rivian R1S, your best shot has been to stick to conventional hybrids or PHEVs. That’s all going to change with the arrival of the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 7 in 2024. These two are set to become the first 3-row electric SUVs with affordable pricing. Here’s everything we know about the IONIQ 7 and Kia EV9’s release date, pricing and specs.
IONIQ 7 and EV9 Release Date, Price and Specs
The 2024 Kia EV9 concept at the 2021 LA Auto Show
Revealed at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show as a concept, the EV9 builds upon the success of Kia’s electric flagship, the hot-selling EV6 electric crossover. Precisely how much of the EV9 concept will make it into the production-ready EV9 remains unknown, so we’ll proceed with a healthy dose of skepticism.
The Kia EV9 concept EV9 features a third row of seating, something that only three mainstream electric cars offer for the 2023 model year. That would be the Tesla Model X ($120,990+), the brand-new Rivian R1S ($78,000+) and the Vinfast VF-9, which is not yet in production, but will start at $57,500 or $76,000 with the battery. Yes, you read that right. The VF9 will require an additional $18,000 to buy the battery, or you can pay a monthly battery fee instead. More on that here. Let’s see how the Korean offerings will compare.
Expected Pricing
We expect the EV9 to launch with a starting price in the low to mid-$50,000 range. Why not cheaper? Raw material costs are increasing, making every EV more expensive to produce. Need proof? Check out lithium prices on commodity markets.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 7 pre-production concept.
Automakers are looking for ways to sell higher-margin electric vehicles to fund their transition to EVs. One way they do that is to subsidize their headline-grabbing base model with affordable pricing with better equipped and much pricier mid and upper trim configurations. We expect this to be the only way that GM can offer a sub-$40,000 Chevy Equinox EV (more on the Equinox EV here). Kia and Hyundai are very likely to do the same. Expect the EV9 and IONIQ 7’s pricing to stretch from the low $50,000s all the way towards $70,000. Of course, the automakers are betting that you’ll want to upgrade to the more expensive options.
An early production Kia EV9 test vehicle in August 2022.
Multiple EV9s have been spotted doing road testing, and all signs point towards a production-ready unveiling in early to mid 2023. Although we haven’t seen any IONIQ 7s testing as of late 2022, we still expect the two to debut together, much like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 did in late 2021.
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The Hyundai IONIQ 7 and Kia EV9 will launch in late 2023 as 2024 models. Of course, that’s unless the worsening semiconductor chip shortage and broader supply chain constraints delay the release date of the model. By then, the Vinfast VF9 will have arrived too. Although Vinfast doesn’t have the brand-recognition and dealer network of Hyundai and Kia, early media reviews are largely positive. You can learn more about Vinfast’s unique battery subscription model here.
Range, Charging Speed and Specs
Rear of the Kia EV9 concept.
The Kia EV9 concept that was unveiled in 2021 was a bit over-the-top. It featured a solar panel on the front hood, a 27-inch infotainment and gauge display, and a pop-up steering wheel that is unlikely to survive the transition to production. The IONIQ 7 debuted as a literal living room on wheels. Fantasies aside, what will make it into production? Expected range, charging and pricing are enough to get us excited.
Kia and Hyundai claim that these two electric SUVs will get 300 miles of range on a charge. Before you demand more miles, remember that SUVs (and trucks) are by design inefficient. That means more batteries are needed to squeeze the same range when compared to a smaller crossover or sedan. Don’t expect 400 mile+ 3-row electric SUVs to become commonplace, let alone affordable, this decade.
The EV9 and IONIQ 7 will share the Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) that Hyundai Motor Group engineered. There’s great info on this powertrain here. My own 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 has this same powertrain, and I love it. Range estimates are accurate, I’ve had minimal range loss after 15,000 miles, and charging is amazingly quick.
Pre-production Kia EV9
Kia says that the EV9 will be able to charge on 350-kilowatt DC fast charging stations, such as those found at Electrify America. We already know a lot about the e-GMP powertrain’s charging capabilities. With 350 kW charging, the EV9 will be able to add 200 miles of range in under 30 minutes. In all likelihood, the IONIQ 7 will match these specs.
Currently, Hyundai sources batteries from SK Innovation. In late 2021, SK Innovation announced plans for two battery plants at a single site in Commerce, Georgia. That’s just down the road from where their largest customer, Hyundai Motor Group, is building a massive EV production facility. We expect SK Innovation to supply American-made batteries for the IONIQ 7 and EV9.
That leads us to our final topic: EV tax credits in the US.
Tax Credits and Incentives
Will the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 7 Qualify for EV Tax Credits? Yes, but it’s possible that the two models won’t be eligible until late 2024 or 2025. Why? Both Kia and Hyundai have publicly shared their intentions of speeding up construction at their new EV production facilities in Georgia. Even with the quicker timeline, executives say that they hope to begin volume production in the third quarter of 2024.
In order for any electric vehicle to qualify for the revised EV tax credit, the vehicle and buyer must meet several criteria. The most notable are the following:
The vehicle must have ‘final assembly’ in North America
A certain percentage of battery components must be produced in the US or Free Trade Agreement countries.
A certain percentage of minerals used for battery production must be sourced in the US or Free Trade Agreement countries.
Truthfully, Hyundai and Kia have not yet released much information about their two new 3-row electric vehicles. When the two OEMS unveil the production versions of the EV9 and IONIQ 7 in early 2023, we’ll update this page with interior images, additional specs, and all that we learn.
Interest rates are rising, and inflation is at record highs, but deals can still be had when buying a new car. Every month, the team at CarEdge pores over the latest offers from every automaker. The result is a one-stop resource to share the very best new car deals with you.
Not finding what you’re looking for? We’ve included links to each automaker’s website. Check back frequently, as this living page will be updated regularly.
Check out these other CarEdge car buying resources:
Hyundai lease offers this month are good, but the amount due at signing has increased this month.
Hyundai Venue: $151 per month with $3,281 due Hyundai Elantra: $219 per month with $3,299 due Hyundai Kona: $209 per month with $3,999 due Hyundai Tucson: $279 per month with $3,999 due Hyundai Santa Fe: $269 per month with $3,999 due
Nissan Altima: $199 per month for 18 months with $2,309 due Nissan Leaf: $269 per month for 36 months with $5,259 due Nissan Rogue (AWD): $299 per month for 36 months with $3,459 due Nissan Murano (FWD): $299/month for 24 months with $2,099 due
With interest rates rising and inflation putting pressure on automakers and their dealer networks, the only thing that could bring better new car deals would be plummeting demand. We’ve seen signs of weakening demand and higher new car inventory, but nothing considered drastic. Expect auto loan interest rates to climb in 2023. The best car deals in February won’t last.
Buying a Car Soon? Check Out These Other Resources
If you’re thinking about hauling the kids off to school with zero emissions, today’s EVs offer more range, faster charging and greater fuel savings. The best electric cars and SUVs for families are available in a wide range of options to meet your needs, and an even wider range of price points. These are the best electric crossovers and SUVs on sale in 2023, and the ones we’re looking forward to in 2024.
Electric Crossover SUVs for Families
These electric crossover SUVs and full-size SUVs are the highest-rated, most-loved EVs for families today. Spaciousness, pricing, range and charging speeds vary from one electric model to another. We’ve also included NHTSA safety ratings if they’re available. Let us know which EVs you have your eye on!
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is the best-selling electric vehicle in America, however prices have increased over 20% since 2020. Although it’s known for autonomous driving, the full capability (known as FSD) is a $15,000 package.
Price: $49,990 to $74,990
Range: 279 to 330 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 200 miles in 15 minutes
Ford’s first serious EV is very popular among small families and speed freaks alike. If the Mustang brand has a special place in your heart, this just might be the EV for you.
Price: $45,995 to $63,575+
Range: 224 to 312 miles of range
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 120 miles in 20 minutes
I was thrilled to drive this IONIQ 5 Limited AWD home. I can confirm that this electric car is great for families.
I can confidently say that the IONIQ 5 is a great family car, and that’s because my wife and I haul our own kiddo around in this segment-bending electric crossover with hot hatch flavors. The IONIQ 5 has won many awards, including Car and Driver’s 2022 EV of the Year. The challenge you’ll encounter is Hyundai’s limited inventory, even in 2023.
Price: $40,925 to $57,400+
Range: 220 to 303 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): Adds 200 miles of range in 20 minutes
The spaceship-styled EV6 is Kia’s version of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, which shares the e-GMP electric powertrain. The Kia EV6 has slightly less passenger and cargo space than the Hyundai, but it’s better range and equally fast charging make it an obvious feature on this list of best electric cars for families.
One thing to bear in mind: most EVs, including the EV6 and IONIQ 5, have a flat floor, meaning that there’s a bit more interior space than it would appear. The best thing you can do is check one out in person!
Price: $43,920 to $61,600+
Range: 274 to 310 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): Adds 200 miles of range in 20 minutes
We have great news for those in search of an affordable and capable EV that qualifies for the federal tax credit. The ID.4 is now made in Tennessee at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant! The newest American-made EV is equipped with decent range, okay charging, and a comfortable interior that’s designed for families. However, don’t expect Tesla-level infotainment. The ID.4 is best for those who are content with the simpler things in life.
Charging speeds are merely okay, but the 2024 model year gets a decent improvement.
Price: $38,790 to $55,000
Range: 208 to 275 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): Adds up to 190 miles of range in 30 minutes
When the e-tron first debuted in 2019, it was ahead of its time. Today, the e-tron remains a solid choice for families with a large interior, acceptable range and average charging capabilities. The premium styling and interior comforts make up for what it might lack. The original larger e-tron has recently been joined by the Q4 e-tron crossover.
Price: $50,995 to $94,000
Range: 218 to 265 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 135 miles in 35 minutes
Where are all of the suburban-sized electric SUVs at? Unfortunately for larger families, large SUVs and minivans are not very aerodynamic, and therefore require larger battery packs to travel the same number of miles. As traditional and startup automakers ramp up their EV production, they’re increasingly left with no choice but to ration their batteries. The vast majority of EV automakers rely on battery manufacturers like Panasonic, LG and CATL to produce the batteries they need for their electric vehicles. If an automaker like Ford has signed supply contracts for X number of batteries, does it make sense for them to make 100,000 compact crossovers, or 20,000 full-size SUVs?
However, it looks like electric full-size SUVs are coming due to popular demand. There are just two quite expensive options now, but others are nearing production soon.
If you’re open to plug-in hybrids, the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is a great vehicle, if you can find one at a fair price.
Tesla Model X
It’s not cheap, but the Model X is the most popular fully-electric three-row SUV today. With gull-wing doors and a massive glass roof, there’s no hiding the fact that the Tesla Model X is a luxury SUV.
Price: $94,990 to $120,000+
Range: 351 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 200 miles in 15 minutes
Rivian is just beginning to ramp up production and sales of the Rivian R1S, the full-size electric SUV companion to the R1T electric truck. The R1S is a blend of luxury and off-road capability.
Price: Starting at $91,000
Range: 316 miles
Charging (Public fast charger): can add 140 miles in 20 minutes
This three-row SUV has a starting price nearly $30,000 below the electric competition in this segment. VinFast is building a massive factory to build EVs in North Carolina. There’s a catch: Batteries are sold separately. VinFast offers two battery subscription plans. The VF9 also has a smaller sibling, the VF8.
The Hyundai IONIQ 7 will be Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV. It will be joined by Kia’s version, the Kia EV9 electric SUV. Both of these should bring somewhat more affordable electric full-size SUVs to the American market. The IONIQ 7 and EV9 remain concept cars for now, with production details to be released this year. Here’s a closer look.
NIO is a Chinese automaker very likely on a path to North American auto sales. With a corporate headquarters already open in California and US-market job postings, it’s all but certain. The NIO ES8 is a three-row electric SUV likely to make an American debut in 2024.
Electric Crossovers That Didn’t Make the List
These EVs are great around town, but not recommended for family road trips.
Toyota bZ4X
With disappointing fast-charging capabilities, the bZ4X would be a real hassle on a road trip. The most capable all-wheel drive variant is rated at just 228 miles on a charge. That would be a non-issue if it wasn’t restricted to 100 kW at a DC fast charger. In the real world, the bZ4X and its sibling the Subaru Solterra would require 45 minute to hour-long charging stops every 175 miles or so on the interstate. That’s a lot of waiting around with a family!
Weeks after deliveries began, all bZ4X electric crossovers were recalled due to the risk of the wheels literally falling off. See our full breakdown of the Toyota bZ4X here. With faster charging, it would be a much better option!
Subaru Solterra
The Solterra is the Subaru-branded sibling to the Toyota bZ4X. It’s essentially an electric Crosstrek. While standard all-wheel drive stays true to its Subaru roots, it’s the very slow charging that keeps the Solterra off of our recommendations. How slow does the Solterra charge? Expect about an hour of charging to add 200 miles of range. It could be worth a look if you never hit the highway. Learn more about the Subaru Solterra.
Chevrolet Bolt
You’re probably starting to see what makes or breaks an EVs suitability for families. Range, safety, interior room and charging speed are all important. If you travel, range and charging speed matter a lot. If you plan to stick around home, you have many more affordable electric vehicles to consider. The Bolt really only fails in one of these categories, but it fails in a big way. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt has the same 55 kW DC fast charging limitation as the original Bolt did way back in 2017. With 259 miles of range (that’s not bad!), that means you’d be stopping to charge for 45 minutes to an hour every 180 to 200 miles on a road trip. About 90% of EV charging is done at home on average, but the Bolt requires a lot of patience on road trips. We covered the 2023 Chevy Bolt in detail here.
Nissan Leaf
The Leaf was the first mainstream EV to go on sale in North America. It’s been a much-appreciated affordable option since 2011, but Nissan has failed to update the Leaf as competitors entered the scene. A top-of-the-line 2023 Nissan Leaf is rated for 212 miles on a charge, but the peak charging speed is outdated. In a best case scenario, it takes 40 minutes to add 175 miles of range. Plus, the Leaf has an outdated charge port style known as CHAdeMO. You’ll have to haul an adapter around with you to charge in public.
The New EV Tax Credit Helps Some, But Not All
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 eliminated the original EV tax credit and replaced it with a completely revised tax credit. For vehicles that qualify, up to $7,500 in tax credits are available. However, the incentive is based on battery sourcing, which will be determined by the automakers. Income limits restrict buyer eligibility, too. See the full details on qualifying models here.
There’s also a used EV tax credit for the first time, but a price cap of $25,000 eliminates every single family EV on this list. See what does qualify.
As drivers warm up to the idea of going electric, every electric vehicle recall is sure to turn heads, regardless of severity. 2022 is a huge year for automakers unveiling their next generation of electric vehicles. With over half a trillion dollars invested in EVs, there’s a lot riding on the success of these new arrivals. Several electric vehicle models have already been subjected to recalls. Fortunately, most of them do not directly involve electric powertrains. These are the EVs facing recalls in 2022. We’ll update this page as future recalls are inevitably announced.
Rivian Recalls
October 2022 – Rivian recalled every vehicle it has produced, including all R1T electric trucks, R1S electric SUVs, and EDVs produced for Amazon. The vehicles were recalled because of concerns that a bolt in steering assemblies wasn’t sufficiently tightened.
No accidents have been reported, but the recall is still causing massive headaches for the young automaker. The recall fix is already available, it’s as simple as tightening a (very important) screw. However, the challenge lies in the limited locations of Rivian Service Centers. For example, the state of Texas has one service center in Houston. There are just 5 Rivian service centers on the entire East Coast. Most locations are in California. See the full list of locations.
Fortunately, Rivian has mobile service technicians, but they’ll surely have their hands full. See additional details on the Rivian recall here.
Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra Recalls
June 23, 2022 – The Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra are EV siblings co-developed by the two Japanese automakers. Just a month into deliveries, the two models have been recalled globally due to an issue with their wheel hub bolts that could in fact cause the wheels to fall off. Fortunately, the issue does not involve Toyota and Subaru’s brand-new electric powertrain.
2023 Subaru Solterra
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall notice warns owners not to drive their vehicles until they are repaired. This isn’t a good look considering the significance of Toyota’s first all-electric vehicle. A bZ4X and Solterra recall remedy is currently under development according to the US NHTSA.
“The cause of the issue and the driving patterns under which this issue could occur are still under investigation,” the notice says.
The recall affects 2,700 bZ4x models and 2,600 Solterras globally. See if your Toyota bZ4X VIN number is subject to the recall at Toyota’s official recall page. You can check if your Subaru Solterra is impacted at Subaru’s official recall site.
Ford F-150 Lightning Recalls
June 27, 2022 – The electric F-150 Lightning is the most-anticipated new model making a debut this year. Ford Motor is recalling 2,906 F-150 Lightnings because of a software issue that could result in a failure to provide low tire pressure warnings. The 200,000 F-150 Lightning reservation holders are certainly relieved to find that this recall is not related to Ford’s all-new electric powertrain.
In this particular recall, simple human error is at fault. Ford says that the recommended tire cold inflation pressure was incorrectly set to 35 psi instead of 42 psi. No accidents have resulted from this F-150 Lightning recall, but it’s the fix that’s noteworthy. The recall gives Ford a publicized opportunity to show the world that the F-150 Lightning is OTA capable. Over-the-air updates, first implemented on a large scale by Tesla, are no easy feat. Plenty of automakers can update navigation and infotainment via OTA update, but few are capable of firmware OTA updates that tinker with the powertrain.
F-150 Lightning Recall Fix: Those who wish to receive the recall fix immediately may head to a Ford dealership service center immediately. Otherwise, Ford says the over-the-air update will be available to download via home WiFi within a few weeks. Check to see if your F-150 Lighting VIN number is impacted by the recall at Ford’s official recall page.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 Recalls
Hyundai IONIQ 5
May 13, 2022 – As an IONIQ 5 owner myself, I was not thrilled to see the first manufacturer recall coming in one month into ownership. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai and Kia have announced a recall for select VIN numbers of the 2022 model year Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.
The IONIQ 5 and EV6 share Hyundai Motor Group’s new e-GMP electric platform. The recall is for the potential for disruptions to the vehicle’s parking actuator system when the vehicle is off. Sudden voltage fluctuations may occur while the vehicle is off, potentially causing the parked vehicle to disengage from ‘Park’ momentarily. If this occurs while the vehicle is parked on uneven terrain, vehicle rollaway is possible.
IONIQ 5 and EV6 recall fix: A fix is already available, but you’ll have to visit your Hyundai or Kia dealership service center. I just got the recall fix done at my local Hyundai dealer. They had never seen an IONIQ 5 before, and one employee asked if I was coming in for an oil change. Nevertheless, I was in and out of the dealership in about 30 minutes.
June 14, 2022 – Ford is recalling all 50,000 Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers because of the risk of power loss. The possible power loss could occur while the vehicle is in motion or parked.
The recall is due to problems with the Mustang Mach-E’s battery contactor, which is a switch that determines which vehicle components the battery sends power to. Interestingly, the power loss is more likely to occur when putting the pedal to the metal for maximum acceleration, according to Ford. If power loss occurs, a powertrain malfunction warning light will illuminate on the dashboard, and the vehicle will display “Stop Safely Now’ in the gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. Clearly, it’s time to pull over immediately with a message like that.
Ford Mustang Mach-E recall fix: Ford has pursued Tesla in more ways than one. In addition to ending EV lease buyouts and going for direct-to-consumer sales via Ford Model e, Ford has brought over-the-air updates to its lineup. Ford says that Mustang Mach-E owners will receive an over-the-air update sometime in July to install a software remedy for the recall. Until then, a stop-sale is in place.
Several hundred automotive recalls happen every year across vehicle classes and powertrains. There will surely be more to come. What we’ll be keeping an eye on is how the latest electric powertrains are performing. Luckily, most of the EV recalls to date have been for components other than the electric powertrain. However, we all remember how the Chevrolet Bolt recall and fire hazard tarnished GM’s reputation. Check back for the latest updates!
You want to go electric, but dread the thought of waiting around the charging station for 45 minutes to an hour. While most electric vehicle charging is done at home overnight (for pennies on the dollar), the occasional road trip necessitates visits to public fast charging stations. Also known as ‘level 3’ DC fast chargers, the amount of time spent charging here varies widely from one electric vehicle model to another.
These are the charging times for the fastest charging electric vehicles on the market today. Plus, we’ll take a sneak peek at a few EVs that are just around the corner.
*Note: Charge times are reflected as 10% to 80% because in all EVs, charging speeds slow significantly beyond 80% state of charge as the battery management system (the car’s computer) balances out the energy distribution at the ‘top of the pack’.
Electric cars cost $11,000 more than ICE competitors on average. Worried about when you’ll break even with an electric vehicle purchase? We did the math for you. See EV break-even times with and without incentives.
